16.04.09
Responsible Travel
1) What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My Sicilian Experience was, quite simply, exhilarating. Weeks later, I still reflect upon the time I spend in Sant'Ambrogio daily. The brief sojourn touched a vein and spoke a truth to me. The most memorable part, if you can call her that, was my host, Carmelina. Not only is she personable and flexible, but it's clear that she cares deeply about her work and about her place. And that was the second most memorable part - the connection the people I met have to Sicily and to their town. It's so clear that they know where they ought to me and that they focus on making it the best possible place to be. Many of us search our whole lives for that connection, that sense of place. The rooms are quite lovely, only surpassed by the views of the sea and the Madonie Mountains. I also had the pleasure of visiting a shepherd making cheese on a hillside and of visiting the local Santa Anastasia Winery, where they give an outstanding tour. The vineyard provides work for many local families... and most delightfully exports right to my home town. And I cannot recommend the horse riding enough (n.b. the Italians ride English). What a stunning way to see the mountains, vineyard and sea. We rode through a herd of cows (mucca), early blooming meadows, cork trees, and more, and so many unique natural elements were beautifully and lovingly described by the cavallero. Do check on tours of Cefalu and the surrounding area! The Sicilian Experience is earth-bound, yet heavenly. I yearn to go back.
2) What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It's so easy to try to check places off when touring a new place, but don't try to do too much. Relax and soak in the warmth and ambiance of this lovely Sicilian town and its neighbors. Go to the cafes and have a caffe to the giggles and admiring glances of the young men (and not so young), Walk by the water and up the cobblestone streets. Go to the winery and give it a try, following a tour. Try horse-riding, if you know horses, or do a guided walk. I don't usually do guided tours, but I had the pleasure of really feeling as though I were getting to know some of the local people and seeing the beauty through their eyes. And try some freshly made cheese. But truly, Carmelina & her friends will draw you in and make this experience more than a simple tourist venture. Ask for suggestions, relax, and eat a mandarin from the tree.
3) Do you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
During my stay, I was picked up from the train station and did very little driving thereafter, with the exception of an evening excursion, when it was a bit too chilly for scooters. I rode a scooter to the horse barn and a horse to the vineyard and ate food out of the gardens. There's no nasty diesel trucking of ingredients for the cheese-making. The goats hang out right next to the cheese shed. And Carmelina uses natural cleaning products as much as possible. Cooking evening used locally grown ingredients (and wine!), and low wattage bulbs graced the sconces (could be rather romantic). I do yearn after one of those clever eco-water heaters! Obviously, all garbage is sorted to compost, recyclables and true waste. Although I'm loathe to have too many people discover my secret place and not be able to find space for myself in future, I cannot help but recommend this magical corner, as it will bring additional funds to a unique area that must be preserved, both in natural and human resources.
4) Finally how many stars would you give your holiday overall?
Five. Without a doubt, five.
Cheers,
Catherine Kane
11th September 2008
Beautiful apartment in the best location! Everything that we could ask for and all self contained. The village has uch loving feel to it and the community is so nice. The suroounding towns are just as amazing too! Carmelina was helpful and made our trip whole. In all best experience and one of a lifteime . Definitely coming back
Nadia Hazife,Tia, Nikki, Amber (Western Australia, Perth )
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My boyfriend and I had a wonderful week in the delightful Sant'Ambrogio in an apartment just minutes from the beach. Carmelina is passionate about Sicily and owns many historical apartments in the area. I would thoroughly recommend a booking via this site if you are looking for a more authentic experience of Sicily away from the tourist crowds
Emily (UK)
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28.09.08
What a great holiday
What a lovely village
What a beautiful apartment
What a relaxed time
What an exciting region
PS: we played the tambola /at Sherbeth Festival) as well so let us know...
Thank you for everything Carmelina
Elisa (Germany)
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Simon and I just spent our honeymoon in Villa Deodata, a lovely villa with stunning views of the mountains and sea. The villa was very well equipped and child friendly (as our seventeen month old Patrick can confirm!)
It was the perfect place to relax after a hectic few months and in such a beautiful setting it was very easy to do so. Carmelina was the perfect hostess providing local information and tips. We loved the villa and Sicily - it doesn't feel like a tourist venue yet it's easy to feel at home here. Everyone loves children and spolit Patrick our son rotten which he loved. We enjpyed the trips to Castelbuono, Mount Etna, Palermo and so on. We will definitely be going back.
October 2008
Sarah Kirwan (UK)
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Me and my girlfriend had the best of the experiences we could expect at Sol Levante, in Sant'Ambrogio. The village and surroundings are exactly what you dream of when you think about a proper break, and our guests went out of the way to make us feel at home. They were discrete, charming and attentive. The house is a tastefully decorated self-contained 200-years old small cottage with superb views and beautiful garden and small dettached kitchen (but literally next to he bedroom). Ideal for a couple looking for a getaway. The same family has other apartments available in the 3 store building next to it, overlooking the sea and the islands. You have to see it to believe it.
I would definitely recommend this property to others.
Antonio (UK)
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We have now visited Sant'Amgrogio for the past two years staying in the Paradiso apartment with its fabulous balcony and wonderful views. Carmelina is very warm and friendly and nothing is too much trouble. For us this has definitely become a place that we will want to return to again and again. It is a real Sicilian experience in a village that makes you want to be a part of it. The surrounding areas are beautiful and a very relaxing experience. We look forward to our next visit.
Chris & Fred Allen (United Kingdom)
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Carmela,
We had a great time in Sicily. House was lovely. Thank you very much.
Thu, 25/9/08
Vicky Castelli (UK)
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25.09.08
A wonderful relaxing break in a beautiful location. Everyone we met in the town was very friendly and our host Carmelina could not have been more helpful. She made us feel very welcome, offered numerous suggestions and made this holiday one of the best we've been on. Sicily is a beautiul place and we hope to return in the near future. Carmelina best of luck for the website and best wishes for the future.
Lee Rowley & Nani Patel (London (UK))
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loved staying in San Ambrogia -wonderful views/walks into the mountains.Lots of places to visit .Carmelina is a special hostess and very experienced guide for walks/general touring.She is simply the best
Maree creighton (Australia)
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Our stay in your house was a real treat. We felt totally at home straight away and everything we needed for a very relaxing stay was there! The views from the house down towards Cefalu are spectacular and can only be best appreciated by staying at the house. You wake up in the morning, open the top floor bedroom windows and 'wow' what a view!!
The spot is great as a base to explore the area. Access into Cefalu is very easy indeed and is well worth several visits! The walking around the house is good too and the beach down below the village is easily accessible and has spectacular sunsets - all in all we had a holiday to remember....!
We do hope that your venture to develop your angle on bringing visitors to the area works well for you and we thank you and the guys at the agency for being SO helpful during our stay.
All the best,
Andy, Laurence, Jamie and Emilie..
Andy, Laurence, Jamie and Emilie.. (UK)
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Staying at Villa Deodata was an amazing experience. Nestled in the hillside with spectacular views of the coastline through the olive grove and fruit orchard , the house had everything we needed.Close proximity to the beautiful town of Cefalu and other picturesue villages ensured we had plenty to do if we could tear ourselves away from the tranquillity of the house. Carmelina , with her passion for, and knowledge of, all things Sicilian, ensured that our stay would be unforgetable. We look forward to a return visit in the near future. Thanks Carmelina!
Nada and Herbie Schmidiger
( Australia...July 08)
Nada and Herbie Schmidiger (Australia)
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Having just read all the testimonials above I can only agree with everything that has been said, the Sicilian Experience as enjoyed by us in the lovely, unspoilt village of San Ambrognio, was one not to be missed. We stayed, along with two friends, at the Casa Gatto. The house is lovely and the perfect venue for two couples sharing, with sea views to remember during our long winter months at home. There is so much to see and do, the past is all around, the beauty of the scenery, the lovely food and wine, the sun, the sea, the volcanic island but, best of all for us, was the people, so friendly and full of fun, it was a truly great holiday. We can highly recommend the people of the village, the bus driver to Cefalu, the lovely mandolin player and his wife, the people in the mini-market, the tour bus driver who serenaded us up the twisty roads into the incredible mountains but full marks to Caramelina who looked after our every need with a smile, nothing seemed too much trouble. We would recommend you go and enjoy yourself.
Ron & Alys Shepherd (Ireland)
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Congratulations to Carmelina for
finishing her website !
During our stay in Sicily we spent a
wonderful week in the beautiful appt.
Paradiso with the balcony over the roofs
of San Ambrogio and a stunning view
to the sea and the first rocks of Cefalu.
Our hostess Carmelina is very sweet,
charming and helpful.
San Ambrogio is a typical sicilian village
with nice people and a good place to
discover the surrounding area.
We will certainly recommend this appt.
to our friends and hope to come back
one day, too.
Ursula and Raymond Tannous (Germany)
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We had a wonderful stay in Sant'Ambrogio. Carmelina's enthusiasm for Sicily is so infectious - if you don't want to fall in love with this extraordinary island, stay well away from her, or you will definitely fall under its spell!
Kate (Oxford) (UK)
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We have just returned from Sicily having stayed at Apartment Paradiso in mid to late October 2008. The apartment was beautiful, simple and met all our needs. Carmelina was as everyone describes, helpful, friendly and an excellent host for all things sicilian. The weather was superb at this time and the sea warm and inviting. The village of St Ambrogia is well situated for exploring both sea and mountains. The countryside in the Madonie is stunning, the mountains magnificent. The people are warm and friendly and even with our poor italian we never felt misunderstood. The food, the very best of Italian. Thank you Sicily and Carmelina for introducing us to your way of life. We will be back.
Penny and David.
Penny Wainwright, David Butcher (Devon, England)
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My friend and I had the most amazing time in Sicily. It was definitely my favourite destination of all the places I visited in Europe.
We stayed in Sant'Ambrogio and felt so welcomed by Carmelina and also the town locals. Carmelina has such a wide and passionate knowledge of the area and recommended us to visit charming towns and picturesque locations which took our breath away.
The beach, just a short walk away from the apartment, is beautiful and peaceful. Our apartment had everything we needed.
We really felt that we got to experience Sicily in the most authentic way. Thank you so much Carmelina - I hope we can return in the near future.
Natalie Giuffre (Australia)
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31.10.08 Casa del Sole
A great week in what seems to us a typical Sicilian village. We enjoyed the peaceful nature of the island out of season. The views from the terrace are fantastic and eating breakast out there after receiving a text from England saying it had snowed there ws one of our highlights. The beach at Cefalů was a favourite and we climbed te rock one day - wll worth it for the view but a bit tought on the thighs. Both Taverna del Borgo ad Pizzeria were great, the menu wasn't in place at the Taverna as there weren't many customes o we had what the wonder could provide which was really good. Back to the cold reality of the UK after some very welcome autumn sunshine in a lovely apartment.
PS: thanks to Stefano & Rosanna fro the help with the luggage.
Neil, Mandy, Alistair & Robert Haggs (Reading, England)
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We stayed in the Paradiso flat in San’Am. for 3˝ weeks with our 7 month old son. And it was fantastic. Just the view from the terrace remains one of the best memories from our 2 month Sicilian trip. San’Am. is a very nice and quiet village with great surrounding landscape, and it provides a great base for exploring the North Coast of Sicily and particularly the Madonie Mountains (a must see!). Carmelina is an exceptional helpful and welcoming host always ready with suggestions of what to do next; thanks a lot for a great stay. Highly recommended! And by the way, regards to Francesca across the road for following the life of Elmer so closely. See you all next year – we hope. Sara & Jeppe
Jeppe, Sara & Elmer (Denmark)
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29.08.08
"Great place to enjoy Sicily"
"The apartment was just awesome. The village of Sant Ambrogio was quiet and laid back and we could just walk down to the beach. In fact that is what my wife and I did every day - just relaxed in the calm and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean every day.
Carmelina (our host) was very friendly, nice, and helpful. She gave us everyday tips on what we should do e.g. she recommended that we go to Castelbuono on Saturday evening and it was wonderful. She gave us excellent recommendations for eating out in Cefalu and Castelbuono.
Basically it was a wonderful trip and we would like to go back every year !!"
Kartick Suriamoorthy (München)
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Villa Boschetto - 23.10.2008
Thank you for letting us stay in your house. A beautiful lace with peace and quiet. Just what we needed. We spend quite some time on the terrace and made trips to Enna and Agrigento. Also we went hiking in the neighbourhood and with starting oint Santuario near Gibilmanna. We will leave the walking map in the house for the next visitors. The trails are unfortunately not signed. Driving in the hills and in the city is a challenge. I just hope the rental company will accept our car back after a week of hill climbing.
Chow Jelte en Theresa Hollema (Holland)
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Villa Boschetto - 22.05.09
The location was really perfect for us, absolutely quiet with a big terrace, deck chairs and umbrella. We spent most of our time hiking in the Madonie mountains and the Nebrodi national park. It's only possible if you have a good hiking description and a detailed map (we did!!).
The near town of Cefalů is a lovely spot to visit without too much tourism (which is the luck of early season). Palermo can be visited by train (45mins from Cefalů) parking can be found easily behind the railway station. All in all it is a place that we would recommend to friends. Thanks Carmelina for your warm welcome.
Ralph & Tony (Germany)
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Villa Deodata 16.04.09
What casn we add to eveything which has already been said?
We lved every minunte of our 2 weeks and are definitely coming back. Not only the house, but also the village, the people, the surroundings, the food and teh wine were great! We can definitely recommend the butcher and alimentari in the via Matteotti (off the Piazza Garibaldi) in Cefalů. Keeup up your good work, Carmelina and good luck with the floral village.
Helen, Raing (Germany)
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Villa Deodata - 6th May 2009
Sant'Ambrogio was the middle location of our 3 location stay in Sicily (others Monreale and Castellmare) and we have very much enjoyed being on the edge of the Madonie National Park. The hill-top towns and villages are extrodinary and the flowers have been great. We love the position of Villa Deodata, with is views over the sea and the rock of Cefalů, with its lighthouse winking at night. What a delight to be in such generous grouns which some of us wanted immediately to start to tend. We note fava beans from the end of the plot. We much appreciate the comprehensiveness of all the Sicilian Experience documentation, especially its attention to local cultural and environmental things not easily covered by guide books. We wish the enterprise every success for the future! We will mis the pine martens, the birds and so much else.....
Cedric & Nicola Brown; Arthur & Alice Marotti (UK and USA)
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Villa Deodata - 9th to 16th May 2009
This is absolutely the perfect home away from home. We love the personal touch Carmelina put into the house and friendly help she's been throughout our vacation. There are many things to do and see on the island, but staying at the house on a sunny day is just as nice.
Carmelina, all the best to you and we hope your drive and enthusiasm will make your plans and dreams a reality soon.
Berri & Madelon (Netherlands)
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Apartment Ciliegie - 15th April 2009
We will certainly never forget our week in Sant'Ambrogio. Some vivid memories horse-riding with Alessandro through the Madonie Mountains, walking across pebbles to Cefalů, an arrangement of flowers in Cefalů cathedral on Easter Firday so beautiful it took our breath away, the chilly air of Pollina. Men standing and chatting outside cafes of at tea time, with cigarettes and tanned faces. But most of all, Don asking me to marry him on a mountainside surrounded by cork-trees and wildflowers, and me saying Yes. And Carmelina Unforgettable, love and best wishes
Christine & Don (UK )
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Apartment Ciliegie -23rd April 2009
Our stay in Sant'Ambrogio was everything we had hoped for. The apartment was lovely and exceptionally good value for money. Carmelina was amazing and extremely helpful, friendly, well able to tell us the best places to go. The village itself is lovely, one of the best parts I being. The pizza place on the square, yum! On th whole beautiful place. Carmelina thanks for all the help and effort put in to make our stay comfortable.
Mel & Heron (England)
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This is the most beautiful place we could ever dream of. Friendly, cosy and personal, we will recommend it to everybody in Denmark! Thank you Carmelina you made our frist impression of Sicily perfect.....
Martin, Lukas, Hannalt & Rikke (Denmark)
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Apartment Paradiso - 04.04.09
We have really had a nice time here in the cosy apartment with the wonderful view! The place has everything for both grown ups and the small ones. our daughter Hannah fell in love with the goats and the goat-man and we fell in love with the spring in Sicily! Definitely hope to be back one day....
Carmelina thanks for all your help and friendlyness!! You made everything easier, All teh best.
Marie, Marten and Hannah (Denmark, Copenhagen )
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Apartment Paradiso, May 5, 2009
Dear Carmelina & guest to follow....Keep your positive spirit and connection to this earth, our only home. We enjoyed the tranquility of this village ands its surroundings and the apartment the only suggestions is coffee mugs for us North Americans, Best wishes
Mary Evans (Ortano, Canada)
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Apartment Paradiso - 21.05.09
We have loved every minute of our stay in Sicily and especially Sant'Ambrogio the hills, the beach, the balcony, the people - all great and makes you want to come back, we will, many thanks Carmelina
Julian and Jenny (UK)
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Apartment Paradiso - 29.05.09
"Think always of the universe as one living creature, comprising one substance and one soul: how all is absorbed into this one consciousness; how a single impulse governs all its actions; how all things collaborate in all that happens; the very web and mesh of it all! Marcus Aurelias
Apartment Sol Levante - Ovest 17th to 20th May 2009
Lovely accommodation very firendly people. We had a delightful stay. The climb up the rock of Cefalů was very rewarding. We also enjoyed a beautiful drive through the Madonie Mountains to visit the Medieval hill towns. For delicious loca, rustic cuisine, try the Nangalarunni restaurant in Castelbuono for some very memorable mushroom centred food.
Robert Perkins & Emma Purcell (London )
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Apartment Sol Levante - Ovest
Thank you Maria nd Jim for a wonderful 4 days. Fantastic views great food and lovely people. What a county and what a island, see you soon x R
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Apartment Sol Levante - Est 18/04/09
Very relaxing comfortable place to stay, jam, bread (homemade) were delicious and everyone has been really friendly. Thank you. Walking amongst the cork trees in Guarneri, was nice and we managed to find the beaches that Carmelina recommended - shame we kept finding jelly fish in the sea! The information file was really useful in helping us to explore the area.
Owen & Isabel (Huddersfiled, England)
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Apartment Sol Levante - Est 19.05.09
So relaxing and beautiful. Maria is the sweetiest, easy going host. The view, the peace, the birds' song - it has all been good for our souls. Many thanks to Carmelina too who has been and invaluable help and source of information and tips.
Annette, Jeus Peter, Carl & Conrad Kleiter (Copenhagen, Denmark)
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Case Saponara
A review of one of your holidays has been submitted by
Marcia Grima regarding Cefalu bed & breakfast accommodation
in Sicily, Italy via responsibletravel.com online feedback
submission form.
Please can you forward this email to the person who deals
with reviews so they can read the review and can comment on
any of the issues that have been raised by the traveller if
they wish.
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your
holiday? Picking lemons in the lemon grove by the house with
my four year old and making lemonade with her in the kitchen
upstairs. The kitchen has beautiful views of the mountains.
The place is extremely safe and we were lucky that another
family with children our's age (almost two and four) were
staying within the b&b at the same time. It was very safe
for the children to play outdoors.
The peak of our holiday was definitey discovering Fiasconaro
in Castelbuono which made the most delicious ice cream and
panettone we have ever tasted.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this
holiday? A car is a must at this b&b. It is great for
families with kids as one feels so safe. The place is also
a great refuge buried as it is high up in the mountains.
Make sure to ask for the information folder which is packed
with tips on things to do and see in the area.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people,
and minimized impacts on the environment? There are
recycling bins in the kitchen. We ate at the local
restaurants in Sant' Ambrogio and used their grocer. The
place is very clean as is the village itself.
The water in the shower takes some time to regulate which
leads to some wastage. The water need not be so hot.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
**** Some wonderful memories, I would not hesitate to
recommend it to a friend
Marcia Grima
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Casa Gatto 27/04/09 to 04/05/09
We parents, Elle 3 years and Matti 15 years enjoyed lovely week at Casa Gatto. Although it was very cold the wek before, we were lucky with the weather. It was often very windy up here - especially at night the wind was loud around the house - but we could enjoy breakfast on the terrace with a great view of the sea. We loved to hear the sea waves and the birds, to smell the flowers behind the house and to watch the sea at night. Although it was to cold to sit on the terrace at night, we took our chairs to the window of the big sleeping room, lit candles, opened the windows and enjoyed the view. The children loved to stroke the friendly dog behind the gate and the things fo playing firendly Mr Gatto gave them. Extremely to recommned is La Taverna del Borgo which is run by firendly couple, the food that Francesco cooks is just great! to cut a long story shor, it was fantastic!
Kristin Matti (Sweden )
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Apartment Violetta - 8th to 11th September 2009
Apartment just perfect for us, in a great location with lots of entertaninment - people watching from the balcony. Grateful for the lift to the apartment from the railway station, otherwise it would have hard work with our ruck sacs.
Top tips . watch out for poor exhange rates in the bank if dealing with travellers cheques. We resorted to the cash machines. Tourist info verty useful and friendly Paco Madonie office useful too. Sitting here watcking the fabulous thunder storms and heavy rain - most welcomed as it has broken the heat. Never thoguht I'd enjjoy the rain given we came here to excape the most awful Scottish summer ever!!! Off to the Islands for a few days and then who knows where after that. Enjoy Cefalu as much as we have.
Lorna & Ian King (Scotland )
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Apartment Paradiso - 06.06.09
Our stay at St. Ambrogio could not have been better. We enjoyed the people & surrounding areas immersely. Next time we wills tay for a longer time so we can see everything we missed this trip. First thing we will do on our return is to order up the Piccantino Pizza e local wine at Chiana! We loved Castelbuono, Pollina & Erice - all worthwhile trips. Carmelina's travel book is fabulous! Off to the airport to Tuscany.
Scott & Carrie (Seattle)
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Apartment Paradiso - 19.06.09
Dear Carmelina, thank you for the beautiful stay in S. Ambrogios' Paradiso. The memories we remain are:
Our arrival Saturday night, crossing a local street partly leaded by a lot of friendly and helpful local people.
sitting on our terrace, watching the fisherman at nigh, enjoying the Nero d'Avolo and Syrah of Sicilia, the local food (Carmelina olive oil is the best!!) and the very nice sunset.
Cefalu, Tindari, Castelbuono (Ristorante Palazzaccio!!!) and tomorrow Palermo and the best.
Because it's so lovely here, we decided to stay the rest of our holidays in apartment Luna (1st floor in the same house).
Catherine & Bendedict (Germany)
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Apartment Paradiso - 22.07.09
Dear Carmelina,
We spent magificent holidays in your apartment which seems like a paradise for us. We loved the terracea nd the view as the lovely area. Thank you so much help us to forget the cloudy France.
Amanry & Stephenie (France)
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Apartment Paradiso – 23rd – 27th August ‘09
Dear Carmelina,
Sincere thanks for working so hard to make this village a memorable destination for people from all over the world...we loved our stay here.
We have had a wonderful introduction to Sicily throughout our short visit & are looking forward to seeing more of this great country over the next ten days - though it will be very hard to beat the hospitality, help & humour shown us here in Sant Ambrogio & Paradiso. Good health, happiness & success to everyone involved in the Environment and Tourism projects in the village. Regards.
Christine & Dan (Dublin, Ireland )
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2 days at Paradiso passed by like “a search”.
Let’s sum our thoughts up in a few words:
• Authentic
• Romantic
• Cosy
• Lovable
• Sympathetic
• Friendly
• Helpful
• Natural
• Unspoiled
....we felt at HOME from the 1st moment thanks to you Carmelina thanks to the people of Sant’Ambrogio. Thanks so much for having us.
Andreas & Alexandra ((CH) & (GER))
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Apartment Paradiso – 09.09.09
Dear Carmelina,
Thank you, so much for all your kind help. We have had an amazing time here and do not want to leave!
This village is very special and everywhere we have visited people have been so warm. Thank you for helping us with our poor Italian! The trips to Etna e the islands were great. We really enjoyed the walks and the fantastic scenery.
Lovely to have met you and I hope your projects for the village are a great success we care sure they will be....
Amanda & Steve (London)
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Apartment Paradiso – 26 september 2009
We spent our honeymoon in Paradiso. It was such a perfect place to stay, we could hardly bear to leave the beautiful roof terrace and views of the Aeolian Islands.
But when we did leave the terrace we felt such a part of the welcoming community of Sant’Ambrogio. Many, many thanks Carmelina for your help & hospitality we had a wonderful time and are so sad to leave. We will be back again!
Siobhan & Steve (Ireland and U.K)
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Apartment Paradiso – 31 October 2009
Wonderful week! Our first visit to Sicily but hopefully not our last. The sights, sounds and taste of Sicily will stay with us for a long time. Words are not enough to say and a week is not enough to stay.
Arrivederci Sicilia
Philp & Jennifer ((UK))
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We have spent a week in this lovely place in June 2009 and that was our honeymoon. Mimmo & Rosi prepared excellent red wine in downstairs cellars which you really have to try out!
Stephano & Luna (Moskua)
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Il Pagliaio - September 2009
We’re had a wonderful holiday & spent many hours just sitting on the terrace & looking at the sea. Would highly recommend La Taverne in Sant’Ambrogio also going to Agrigento to the Valley of the Temples.
Sarah & Kevin (Oxford)
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Sol Levante – 26.09.09
Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable the apartment was great a real home from home and a real find. Lovely food & people. We will definitely recommend the apartment to friends and family. We hope to come back again sometime thanks for the great ice cream! Mille grazie.
Matt, Sarah, Dan, Anne
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Villa Deodata – 9th to 16th May 2009
This is absolutely the perfect home away from home. We have the personal touch Carmelina put into the house and the friendly help she’s been throughout our vacation. There are many things to do and see on the island, but staying at the house on a sunny day is just a nice.
Carmelina, all the best to you and we hope your drive and enthusiasm will make your plans and dreams reality soon.
Berrie & Madelon (Netherlands)
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Villa Deodata
Dear Carmelina
We have had such a wonderful week. The villa has been a home from home . The views are spectacular, we even had a thunderstorm to entertain us. Apart from a little black & white cat visiting most days. We were also visited by a Pine Marten. Cefalů is a great place to visit we recommend everyone take the time to climb to the top of the Rock. Exhausting, but wroth it just see the views. Thank you for your hospitality e we hope to return to Sicily in the near future.
Mayra & Graham Smith (Cambridge, England)
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Dear Carmelina
Thank you for your hard work and endless effort to make Gail and my stay here in Sicily absolutely amazing. We have really experienced and tasted Sicilian life and met such wonderful people, all of whom seem to love and respect you so much! I hope very much your hard work pays off I am sure it will with your years of experience to allow people to relax and enjoy the culture here. Take care Carmelina. Sicily will always be my thoughts and I hope to return.
Pauline Roenesch (Oxford)
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We had a fantastic stay here and loved the house and surrounds. Somehow we collected 4 cats visitors each day to entertain us. It was so comfortable and quiet, we were very lazy and mainly stayed close by, enjoying Cefalů and various nearby beaches. We will definitely be back, thank for the warm welcome.
Jane & Family (Birmingham UK)
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Villa Deodata - 20.07.09
Thank you for this fantastic stay. We enjoyed the wonderful views, the nice, cosy village and the wonderful surroundings. We definitely will recommend this place to others and hope they will enjoy it as much as we did!
Best wishes
Minke, Erik, Melissa, Thomas, Jannele, Meryn e Cyriel (Amsterdam)
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Villa Deodata 22.08.09
We enjoyed peaceful days in very beautiful setting. It’s so good to know the sun will be there tomorrow morning as it used to be every morning for the past 3 weeks.
Nice place, nice people, excellent food and lots to visit. We’ve really refilled our bellies here! Thank you Carmelina.
Irene, Thomas, Lea & Jasper (Hamburg)
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Villa Deodata 28th August 2009
Dear Carmelina
What a lovely relaxing home you have here. We have really enjoyed the peace and quiet and the wonderful views usually appreciated over a glass of wine whilst sitting on the patio!
We too have got to know the rather timid cat who obviously considers this his domain.
Gemma thoroughly enjoyed the three hour hack with Alessandro who took her up to the stable at Vallegrande on his motorbike. He printed out places of interest and gave her background information about the area. On Gemma’s recommendation we visited their restaurant and pizzeria and ate a lovely meal.
We also visited the pizzeria in Sant’Ambrogio and ate another delicious meal after which Pete receive a very generous glass of grappa! In fact all the meals we have eaten including those in Cefalů, if you can manage to get parked, have been lovely.
Your information file was very informative and provided lots of tips eg how to get out of the sides supermarket (but remember to put your ticket in the machine outside the exit doors in the top slot and take your third ticket to the barrier from the bottom slot!)
With only one evening left we don’t know how we0re going to manage going back to work in a few days time having spent the last week sitting in hammocks reading books without a care in the world.
We wish you well in the future and many thanks for your kindness.
Judy, Pete and Gemma (Herjardshire UK )
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Casa Gatto 27/04/2009 - 04/05/2009
We (parents, Elli (3 years) and Matti (1,5 years)) enjoyed a lovely week at Casa Gatto. Although it was very cold the week before, we were lucky with the weather. It was often very windy up here - especially at nights the wind was loud around the house - but we could enjoy breakfast on the terrace with a great vieu to the sea. We loved to hear the sea waves and the birds, to smell the flowers behind the house and to watch the sea at night. Although it was to cold to sit on the terrace at night, we took our chairs to the window of the big sleeping room, lit candles, opened the windows and enjoyed the wine. The children loved to stroke the friendly dog behind the gate and the things for playing, friendly mr. Gatto gave to them.
Extremely to recommend is "La Taverna del Brogo" in S. Ambrogio which is run by a friendly couple...the food Francesco cooks is just great!
To cut a long story short. It was fantastic!
Kristin, Matti, Elli, Marluis
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Casa Gatto.
We have spent 3 wonderful weeks here at Casa Gatto. Carmelina has helped us when we needed, the wine which was waiting for us when we arrived late in the eveneng gave us a kick-start of our stay here in Sicily.
The terrace has been superb for out II mth old boy who has had a huge leap forward in his div beacuse of it. And, of course, never forgetting the spectacular view & wonderful weather.
We strongly recommend the town's pizzeria (try the "Piccante" - not so strong, but sbsolutely amazing).
If you like creamy seafood pasta go fotr Antica Corte in Cefalů, try their own specialty - ecellent!
Enjoy your stay!
Jhon, Turid, Anny, Krister, Emil and Liv
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Casa Gatto 14/06/2009 - 04/07/2009
Casa Gatto has given us one of our very memorable holydeys. We also, have just spent 3 glavious weeks here and marvelled at casa Gatto2s exeptional location. The weather has been sublime, the azure blue sea, the sky and dramatic coastline all combine to a special piece of paradise.
We have made a good use to our excursions around the island, highlights include the lovely fishing part at Trapani, the Baroque architecture of Ragusa and Noto. Catania with Mt. Etna hovenig about it is a lovely city. Of course Taormina is magical. Then the Greek temple and the teatro at Segesta and the many beautiful hilltop towns with their medieval charm.
The people we have met and been most friendly and helpful.
Many thanks Carmelina for your welcome here. We have enjoyed Est'as (the residente Alsatian) company, it has meant we haven't missed our own Battista quite so much. I think Esta's english has improved greatly!
We don't look forward to retourning to a New Zeland winter, but memories of this summer will keep us going.
Mille grazie.
Alan & Cristina Hedlund (Auckland)
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Casa Gatto 29/07/2009.
Ciao! Now we have been here for two and half fantastic weeks, but sadly we are leaving today. Casa Gatto has been our base for our Sicilian exploration. We have been all over this magnifisant island - Palermo, Erice, Scopello, Noto, Taormina, Etna, Savoca, Forza d'Agro, Segesta, Agrigento and Corleone, and many other beautiful places. Two highlights was the trips to Etna and Gole de Alcantara. The only disappointment was the excursion to Pantalica, because it was difficult to figur out were to go! We have also been on the top of Rocca Cefalů, the view was very beautiful. We will absolutely recommend you to do the same.
The days we haven't been out on the road, we have spent here at Casa Gatto out on the wonderful terrace and the rocky beach. We have enjoyed the company of the very nice and frindly dog. Be nice to her; she is only lonely and wants somebody to spend the deays with.
If you want to eat pizza, the best place to go is the local pizzeria in Sant'Ambrogio. We also recommend "La Taverna del Borgo" (Sant'Ambrogio), and in Cefalů our favorite restaurant has been "Il Ragno d'Oro" where there is good food and service.
We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we have!
Martine, Marius, Berte, Anita and Per Oer
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Casa Gatto 16/10/2009.
We are leaving Casa Gatto after a wonderful 15 days - not enough! Our kind trip to Cefalů and Sant'Ambrogio - not the last! What a great house to relax in and enjoy the views and coutry side.
The Dog - Esta - is aplus and we will miss her.
This a great spot for enjoying the many ...as well as a place to relax. The house is very spacious and offers privacy as well as accessibility.
Carmelina's hints on parking, shopping, etc. were a great help and she was easy to reach if needed.
We are now headed to the Aeolian Islands and although we are looking forward to it, we could easly spend another week here, I will especially miss the ever changing views from the two terrace; Both the weather and the time of day gave an amazing variety of spectacular sights.
Enjoy this unique spot - It is what it is!
And what it is - is magical!
Loris & Warren (Tony) (Key West, FL - USA)
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Casa Gatto 25/10/2009 - 01/11/2009
We have had a wonderful week here in Casa Gatto. What a magica place. The weather has been very kind to us - breakfast on the terrace early morning - the skies and the sea a wonderful blue.
Highlights of the week have been varied. We enjoyed two superb walks in the mountains. One from here and one on Mount Macabubbo where we saw our first (and only) wild boar! Less impressive, but very lovely, were the donkeys, ious, mars and foals and extraordinary mountains goats their restled into seeningly impossible roots and crarries on the mountain vide. The views were spectacular and we feel we have at least wathed off a little of the delicious food and wine that we have tangled in.
We recommend: the wine from Abbazia Santa Anastasia; a visit to Castelbuono followed by a walk to the armers hollies on Piano Pomo; a spectacular lunch of amazing value and quality with delightful hosts (one of whom speaks good English) at La Manna di Zabbra on the Pollina/Castelbuono road (not to be missed);
Finally the company of Esta has been very special. It is a always nice to be given such a welcome on ... after a ..day exploire. We will miss her and hope won't be too lonely.
Thank you so much Carmelina for your help, service, wine, dive, oil etc. all of which we much appreciated. Good luck with all your plans.
Sicily is a gem and Sant'Ambrogio / Casa Gatto as been a very special place to stay.
Jo & Robin (Hall) (Dorset - UK)
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Villa Boschetto 22/08/09
A super duper time with a 6 yearold, a9yearold and a 5 month bbaby!!! It was hot hot hot. The sea was a must - lovely beaches (Cefalů - lovely sand /shallas/ free showears).
The terrace here was lovely. Everything was lovely and clear and we had we needed, although an "aloe Plant in the garden would be great to ....(Mozzie) - They loved us!!!
Also, ...in the rooms and 2 extra fans to cool the light weight...down!
Cefalů was beautiful - would love to climb up the roch - not in August - must came beak.
in the village here, the ...in the tabac/ice-cream schop was lovely - great MASSIVE ice-cream and the pizzeria lovely too.
Camelina was mast helpful and the "folder" was so useful. All you could possibly need to know about the area.
We're already planning aur next trip!
PS: we're left behind 2 parsols for use on the free beaches...really good and a beach ball..
Enjoy! Ciao
Kerry, Richard, Sam, Jerry,Jack, Allie e baby Daisy
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Stefanie, Piero, Davide Christian, Cettine, Stefano e Nella
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Appartamento Manche 17/04/2009.
Thank you for your warm welcome. We have felt entirely at home during our short stay here in Sicily. we eill miss the glistening of the sun on the sea, the fragrance of your dive oil and the mountains of the Madonie, but will surely return.
Eleonor Lloyd and Alex Silverman (London, UK)
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Appartamento Manche 28/06/2009.
Mimo and his family made us feel really welcome and at home. They were very friendly and helpful and always put a smile on our faces when we meet them. Apartament Manche is really beautiful and we throughly enjoyed its spectacular view. Carmelina was fantastic and very helpful during our stay with her info and history and local tours and villages.
We have had a really relaxing holiday and are very gratful for such fantastic hosts.
Thanks you all for everything, we will back again for definite!
Paula and Sean. (Dublin, Ireland.)
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Appartamento Manche 30/07/2009.
Thank you for your hospitality. we spent beautiful days in Sicily. Our children were happy to be here and take care about your donkey. We had a nice experience of nature and beauty, of atmosphere Sicilyan surroundings.
Thank you, we had a good time here.
Stephan, Simon, Galina, Erveny (Amsterdam)
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Appartamento Manche 27/08/2009.
Thank you for a wonderful holiday in Sant'Ambrogio. We loved the village wich was haspoilt and extremely charming!! The appartament was perfect and will certainly be recommended with the breath-taking views.
Signor D'Avola was lovely and welcoming. He made us feel very welcomed and was exceptionally generous...
We will be back, Mary thanks Carmelina for the true and encharting "Sicilian Exprerience".
Mary and George
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Appartamento Manche 1/09/2009
A flat with such a stunning panoramic view of the sea;
A host and large family so happy and welcoming;
A village with everithing we needed form mans on sunday to figs to granita and cafč americano.
A folder of information produced by Carmelina which answered any questions we might have had.
In all, we loved staying in Appartamento Manche, will wish to return, and will recommend it to our friends.
Sam and Françoise
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Appartamento Manche 13/09/2009.
We've had a lovely time here. The sea view made us choose it in the first place and didn't disappoint. we've seen same wonderful churches, interesting villages and places thanks to Carmelina's extensive notes.
Thank you for making us so welcome.
Sue and John
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Appartamento Manche 22/09/2009.
We have loved being here and intend to come back! The apartament and warm welcome is perfect, we found breakfast and all we needed in the village and on the beach!
We even found an unexpected but superb car (hillclimb) event in the hills!
As bikers at home we appreciated the range of 2 week-end scooter/bibe transport and wished we had reached the Aeolian islands towns - but we must leave some things for next time!
Thank you all very much for giving us sucha wonderful experience. Best wishes.
ps: apologies for tatty pages in file: info very useful!
Lynda and Dave
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02/10/09 Appartamento Manche
Thank you for your warmth, your hospitality and your charming appartament Manche with us. The view frm the launge window is breath loking and will stay with us for along time.
We lovely done .. exploring in the car mainly to Cefalů on evening, the Cathedral is a must see and the various beaches recomended by Carmelina.
.......
We love ................
Anna and...
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09/10/09 Appartamento Manche
Dear Mimmo and family, dear Carmelina, thank you very much for the short but.... stay at this hause. Although we went out for beaches and cities all day (thanks Carmelina for the tips).....likes spend only nights and mornings here it was a great experience. We'ill definitly recomennd this place to our friends. Thank you Mimmo especially for the wine and olives-yammy!
Best wishes from the early saturday morning flight bach to Freiburg
Anika And... (Freiburg (Germany))
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08/01/2010 Appartamento Manche
Dear Mimmo and famiglia, many thanks for caring so much about our well being! Gretting up in the worming with this magic sea view was wonderful.
We enjoyed your hospitality and the people's .....in San'Ambrogio, especially on the New Year's.....in the pizzeria.
We'll keep the memory of nice walks and sunny days during the rest of Berlin's cold winter hopefully!
All the best
Kati and... (Berlin)
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Apartment Paradiso - 15/06/10 - 26/06/10
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your
holiday? arriving at the village for the first time and
seeing the accommodation.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this
holiday? if you haven't driven in Italy before be aware of
the Italian style of driving which is rather scary
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people,
and minimized impacts on the environment? Yes, definitely.
The local people benefit from the increased income for the
time you are there and the place we stayed was very
environmentally friendly.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent
Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
**** Some wonderful memories, I would not hesitate to
recommend it to a friend
Gill Beddowes
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Apartment Villa Laura 18 April 2010
A lovely week at Villa Laura, made lovlies by Cosimo, Assunta and Laura who treated us as part of the family.
we did't venture far from cefalů, spending time on teh beach, climbing la Rocca, eating many Gelatos and wandering the streets of the old town. we spent one day in teh Madonie Mountain, Pollina not to be missed.
Many Thanks
Diana, Yuki and Kay (U.K.)
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Apartment Villa laura 6-18 May 2009
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Sicily. flowers are amazing, and the weather is warm not too hot.
Villa Laura is a great base fro which to explore Northern Sicily. Highly recommend walking on the Mdonie Mountains and in the Rocca.
S.ambrogio beach is lovely. we have had a great time and the partment is lovely, as well as being very good looked after by Cosimo, Assunta, Laura and Wolly!
food in sicily is good in general but we enjoyed assunta's home cooking most!
thanks
Matt & Marsa
Matt & Marsa
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Villa laura Apartment , July 2009
Thank you, Assunta, Cosimo, Laura (and Wolly) for a lovely stay on your Villa inspite of the great heat (40° today!). We have managed to visit some greating places including teh Roman Villa del casale near Enna with its beautiful mosaics and the historicals garden in Palermo. The coulor of the sea in Capo d'Orlando was magnificiant.
Thank you for the lovly meal we were invited to share with you.
kind Regards
Gill Wingels
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Apartment Villa Laura , 28 May 2010
Many thanks for a lovely week at Villa Laura! it is a beautiful place and you made is very welcome. thank you too for your hospitality and kindness (and for the vegetables).
we really enjoyed our stay, especially teh great view from the terrace. We also enjoyed very much assunta and Laura's cooking..the best meal we had in Cefalů!
thanks again and best wishes!
Jo & James
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Casa Gatto, 19 June 2010
Great place, gorgeus views, the place also equipped with everything that's needed.
Great hospitality, everything organized well. In the village there is a shop, a bar, a trattoria and very nice people!
We spent a cery nice week, and we'll be back soon.
Mastin & Birgit
Casa Gatto, 4 June 2010
We spent a wonderful week in Casa Gatto. We enjoyed the fantastic view on the Mediterranean Seafrom both the terraces, Our jouneys to cefalů, the Madonie Mountains, the Eoliens islands were amazing.
We also had a Sicilian experience than we'll never forget.
thank you very much.
Brigitt (Germany)
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Casa Gatto, 10-17 April 2010
Excellent week, lovely peaceful place to stay, beautiful views.
Pizzeria in S.Ambrogio is a must!
Picturesque villages locally.
Geoff & Ben (New Zealand)
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Casa Gatto, 29 March to 5 April 2010
We have been here a week and are now on our way home to Sweden again. We would really like to stay much long.
Ester, the dog have been a dear friend, she has been looking out for us!!
Don't miss Santuario di Gibilmanna and continue to Isnello by car. It's a beautiful view. Pollina is an amazing village. The sicilian people are vry friendly but unfortunately can't speack italian. We would really like to learn the language till the next visit.
Hope you will have as nice stay as we have had.
Victorin Joakim (Sweden)
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A lovely stay in S. Ambrogio. This countryside, the village, the terrace and teh view, Ester the dog and specially the friendly hospitality people of S.ambrogio are wonderful.
Thank you!!
Koepke Jay (UK & USA)
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Casa Gatto,
Dear new guests, what a sunny day outside and we have to leave...
But we had great 10 days here and would absolutely love to stay much longer. it was a wonderful holiday trip and we enjoyed living in this house. Unfortunately teh weather was not so good and the local people said they were all frezing ( well, for us it wasn't so bad) so we couldn't do as much walking on the Mdonie mountain as we wanted to. but we did some car trips, visited several villages and were absolutaly fascinated by architectur, history and local people. We also visited Palermo and enjoyed a good meal at Focacceria in the Kalsa. A wonderful walking experince was near Gibilmanna.
We wish you a great stay here.
Abel & Helen
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Hi Carmelina, 11.07.10
Apartment Borgo C
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed our lovely holiday together in Sicily, with all the great memories and fun we shared. I thank you, and the people you introduced us to so generous and lovely in your fantastic Sicilian way, so many thanks for everything. We had perfect weather and I loved all the different cooking demonstrations, food we tasted, the beautiful scenery, and always with lot's of laughs.
You couldn't have told or shared more of your wealth of information about your homeland which you obviously feel very passionate about,and please send on my good wishes to the gorgeous couple who cooked us bread in their wood-fired oven, and who shared so many other home made goodies with us.
Val Evans
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Casale Ubazzo - Jun 26, 2010
"This amazing Casale Ubazzo was ours for a week at the end of June 2010. After two weeks outside Rome we took the night train to Cefalu, then by car on a final breath taking tour on the hilly roads. Me and my wife and our four children aged between 7 and 12 from Sweden with many previous experiences from other lovely stays in beautiful Italy, simply fell in love with this place 450 meter above sea level, a perfect big house, a very popular pool (especially by the children), good utilised kitchen and a beautiful view over the Mediterranean sea. Going on excursions on the winding narrow roads, preparing your own food that you find on the market, looking at the stars in the peaceful nights, waking up in the morning by the donkeys (!), ducks or some other of the animals at the little farm was very relaxing and there’s even a good restaurant only100 meters away¦ What else do you need before flying back home to the Scandinavian northern light?
Lennart Cederberg (Scandinavia)
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We spent a fantastic holiday at Casa Margherita in August/September. With its two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the house provides comfortable accommodation for 2 couples. Nicely designed by the owner himself, Casa Margherita is a beautiful and authentic place. You will find everything you need in the house, and even more than that. The kitchen is well-equipped, and all the basic staff is already there (olive oil, aceto balsamico, salt, sugar, bottle of water, etc), which is nice and very helpful. The terrace is fantastic, as we spent a lot of unforgettable evenings there. We also liked the small patio with a nice view in the garden - a very cosy place in a natural shade. Cefalu is not far away, about 10 min by car. If you are staying at Casa Margherita the car is essential - for shopping, travelling and even going to and from the beach. The beach is quite close and you can reach it by foot. However, climbing back to the house from the beach is tiring, and hardly possible in the afternoon heat. The hospitality of the owners was probably even more important than the convenience and beauty of the house. Salvatore (the owner) and his daughter Margherita did everything possible to make our stay perfect. Knowing that we study Italian, Salvatore came by almost every evening to have a chat with us and help us practice the language. He brought us fresh fruit from his own garden, his own olive oil, gave very useful tips on where to go and where to eat. Staying there was truly a unique experience in so many ways. We fell in love with Sicily, Cefalu and San Ambrogio and there’s no doubt we’ll be back! Grazie mille, Salvatore e Margherita!
Luba and Nikita (Sweden)
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30.11.2010 B & B Case Saponara
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The location is fantastic, quiet, very pretty, close to the sea and close to the
mountains. From the balcony you have a wonderful view over the bay of Cefalu. There
is a big garden with orange trees as well as a very nice court yard right in front of
the house. It is only a 15 minute walk down to the non touristy town of
'Sant'Ambriogio' where you can have an excellent pizza for very little money and a 10
minute drive to the very touristy, but picturesque town 'Cefalu'. A number of hikes
start right from the house.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is difficult to explore the region without a car.
The house is very well equipped. The kitchen is fully furnished and there is a
washing machine.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on
the environment?
We live in Sicily and have friends in Sant'Ambriogio who told us that Carmelina and
her team are doing a wonderful job promotiong eco tourism in the area.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great! We would immediately go again.
Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
**** Some wonderful memories, I would not hesitate to recommend it to a friend
Susanne Fuchsberger (Palermo, Italia)
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Apartment Paradiso - April 30, 2010
Dear Carmelina,
This apartment "Paradiso" is perfectly named. The breathtaking views at varying times of the day are etched in our memories. Combine the comfortos of the room with your warm friendliness and hospitality to make for a great start to our Sicilian experience.
Peter & Renne Steinberg (New York City)
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Apartment Paradiso - 15/06/2010
Dear Carmelina,
Thank you for your help and hospitality. This 9 days has gone so fast. St Ambrogio is a lovely village with warm & friendly people and it would be a pleasure to return. The time & effot you put in making sure people have a pleasant stay is truely remarkable.
Philip (UK)
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Apartment Paradiso - 26/06/10
From the moment we arrived in the square at the start we were in love with the village and the ime we spent here didn't seem long enough. Sun, sea hills and mountains. The balcony in the morning, noon and at sunset - everything just snapped into focus. Thank you Carmelina for your warmth,friendliness and expert advice which made our Sicilian experience truly remarkable. With best wishes
Gill & Chris Beddowes (England )
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Apartment Paradiso - 28/06/2010
Dear Carmelina,
Thank you for all your help e warmth over the past few days. We've had a lovely time relaxing e enjoying our honeymoon together. The week has done by so quickly e neither of us wants to leave we love the sea from the balcony e the atmosphere of Sant Ambrogio. We can't wait to come back.
Laura & Stuart (Edinburgh)
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Apartment Paradiso - 17/07/10
Dear Carmelina,
Thank you so much fo the wonderful 2nd stay in "Paradiso." We really enjoyed our week in S'Ambrogio and we love the little beach and the very colourful fish....Perhaps, see you next year?
Catherine Benedild Johanna (Potsdam, Germany)
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Apartment Paradiso - 17/07/10
Dear Carmelina,
We've had an awesome stay in your apartment. The view is stunning!! Here are 6 things we love about Sicily: 1. Sant Ambrogio 2. Arancinos 3. Little yellow plums 4. Swimming at sunset 5. Capanata 6. the cats
Ad and Nik (England)
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Apartment Paradiso - 31/07/10
Dear Carmelina,
Thank you for a great time at Apartment Paradiso. We very much enjoyed our stay here and will take back a lto sof memories. I love what you have done with your tourism idea and will take a lot of inspiration back from it for my stufents (I teach Travel Tourism). Anyway, it was my (Bitte) first time in Sicily and Matt's first time in Italy. We think we picked perfectly and will remember every thing we saw and experienced fondly. Keep up the great work and hopefully we will be back. Lots of love to the cats.
Bitte & Matt (UK )
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Apartment Paradiso - August 6th, 2010
We have just finished a lovely week in Paradiso. The apartment is fabulous, airy and cool. San Ambrogio is a delightful place for relaxing and getting to know the area. Recommended are the sunset at the Bar Belvedere da Saro with Serafino the dog, the trip to see Giulio the shepherd and and early morning swim in teh sea. Do take the take drive into the Madonie Mountains as this gives you a great sense of the island. All in all wonderful place with a great spirit everyone has been lovely. Enjoy the Amaretto
Megan & Andrew (London, UK )
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Apartment Paradiso - September 2010
Grazie mille! We will be back. Best wishes
Dorthe e Soren (Sweden )
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Apartment Paradiso - 17th to 30th September 2010
Thank you for making us feel so welcomed in Sant Ambrogio. Carmelina has been wonderful. We hope to retun as there is still so much to explore.
Emma, Brook and Nell (UK)
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Apartment Paradiso e Ciliegie 15th September to 10th November 2010
This small poem dedicated to all the special people of St Ambrogio who made our holiday here delightfully unforgattable e bright.
STARS
Stars proclaim through the darkest night that belong to the universe. We look to them as an expression of eternity, sending us light from the past, promising that our light goes on beyond the little years we live, coming back to us tomorrow. Eyes that have seen this light, the mind that ponders its source, the heart that responds with awe - these have all emerged from the staff of stars. As long as light returns from its immeasurable journey, we will never be lost. For Carmelina, Vigdis, Rosanna, Laetitia, Pietro, Giovanni senior, Giovanni junior, Alessandro, Marcello, Roberta, Guido, Valentina, Massimo, Rosario, Loretta, Pippo, Pino (pizzeria), Franca, Elena, Yolanda, Sara and especially to Saro C/- Bar Belvedere e Serafino. Thanks.
Dorville & Barry (Melbourne, Australia)
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Apartment Paradiso 20th November 2010
Arriverderci Carmelina & your beautiful "nest of the the woods" We fell in love instantkly & this photo is in this most perfect kitchen summed up my feelings. I tried to draw it, as it then realised again, that something should not be "re created" is impossible - like this phenomenal landscape, or my fellings for this place in words - it doesn't translate. So much love till next time.
Mikaelea (Melbourne, Australia)
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Apartment Paradiso 26th November 2010
Thanks for a wonderful 3 days. You've done quite a job and Sant'Ambrogio is wonderful, particularly so because of the warm people. We've enjoyed spending time with Laetitia, Marcello, Saro and all the people whose names we did not retain. We hop eto return, all the best.
Sujo & Helen (London UK)
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Apartment Paradiso - 14/8/2010
Magnifique paysage, accueil trčs chaleureux. Merci pour votre gentillesse. Abel
Merci pour votre accueil dans ce trčs bel endroit, magnifique vue, et pour votre hospitalíté. Cédric
Merci pour cet accueil chaleureux. Trčs bel endroit, magnifique village. Julien
Abel, Cédric et Julien (Luxembourg, Belgique, France)
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Apartment Ciliegie - 27th August 2010
Although we only spent one night here, it was lovely (we’ve just spent a couple of weeks in another Carmelina’s properties wich was also lovely). Excellent village feel, very comfortable and we enjoyed every minute.
Many thanks again Carmelina for your hospitality and kindness.
Karen, Jeremy, Michelle & Rosie
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Apartment Ciliegie – 1st August 2010
I was so nice to arrive here in Sant’Ambrogio, not least apartment Ciliegie with the splendid view and beautiful room, after the hectic and touristed Taormina. We really enjoyed our week long stay, and thank you, Carmelina, for coffee, milk, wine, etc. at our arrival and for helping out with everything. This place is like paradise on earth, and the energy or spirit of it is so fine. Good luck with all your projects, especially keeping this village free of mass tourism. But do take days off – and take care of yourself as well. See you again in the future!
Best wishes,
P.S.: Go visit the shepherd up in the mountain and taste the warm fresh ricotta!
Steen, Gitte, Liv & Selma (Denmark)
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Apartment Ciliegie – 25th August 2010
Sicily lived up to our expectations and the apartment was the icing on the cake. Lovely village feeling to Sant’Ambrogio, we were made to feel very welcome by the locals. Carmelina was a great help, nothing was to much trouble. I would recommend to go horse riding in the mountains with Alessandro even if you have never ridden a horse before, this will get you hooked! An unforgettable experience. Also do take the trouble to visit Palermo. If crumbling historic buildings are your thing, this is your place.
Many thanks,
The Newman family
Apartment Ciliegie - 14th September 2010
Thank you so much for one perfect week at the end of summer 2010. We arrived in Sant Ambrogio with tired bones and a head full of unpleasant thoughts about work and all day trouble… After 7 days of staying in this lovely peaceful village we really feel refreshed, relaxed and ready for another round in the outside world.
Thank you so much for providing such a lovely home for us – apartment Ciliegie was really our home, we will miss the view from the kitchen window that we enjoyed so much! (breakfast in Berlin will be so disappointing!).
We will be back, definitely!
Take care, Carmelina, all the best and good luck for you and your work here, it’s amazing!
Susanne & Stefan (Germany)
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Apartment Ciliegie - 23rd November 2010
Thank you so much for your general hospitality. Our family has had amazing time here. We have loved our day trips to Palermo, Cefalů, Trapani, Castelbuono, etc. Has been amazing being able to see the authentic Sicily and not just the tourist side.
Thanks again,
Susan, Andrew & Alice (Australia)
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Casale Ubazzo – 16th April 2010
Fantastic stay at Casale Ubazzo. Highlights have been:
Casale Ubazzo itself – the house, the views, the space. And the children have adored all the animals. Simba, the orange dog, is a particular favourite, as is the cat. But don’t do what we did and let Simba out of the gate – it took 2 days for him to come back assisted by a man from the village.
The beach at Cefalu. Perfect sand, scarcely anyone on it, warmish sea. We’ve been swimming virtually everyday – in the middle of a beautiful old town. Amazing it is not more spoilt and developed.
Climbing la Rocca in Cefalu. We dragged our 3 children up without too many complaints.
The weather. Lots of sun – even if some rain too.
Great food everywhere. We loved the Valle Grande. It’s a shame it’s not open more often.
The lowhight was our visit to Castelbuono. A long twisty road – our 5 yr old son was sick when we arrived. Great views, yes, but we can get those from the track above the house. The town was full of traffic with little to see. We hurried back to Cefalu.
Hall family (London, UK)
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Casale Ubazzo - 8th May 2010
We have spent a wonderful fortnight in this most idyllic location. All of us (grandmother, mother and two smalls boys) loved the animals, especially cat and donkey. The dogs, pig and hens helped complete the pastoral setting. We greatly enjoyed the space to explore and safety for the boys. Everyone we came into contact with has been charming and helpful. We would like to add La Trinacria to the list of good places to eat. If you park down at the harbour then walk towards the town (quite a steep hill), you will find the restaurant on your left. Salvatore and his son, Antonio, are lovely and adore children. The restaurant just before it is also really good. Just wants to add a note of caution about the steep slope down to the Volpe in bikini restaurant: quite a challenge for hill starts and you have to watch for traffic approaching on the main road. Carmelina has been a great support, full of helpful information and advice. Giuseppe, the gardener, is a real sweetie and so tolerant of his shadow in the form of a 3 year boy fascinated by everything he did. Unfortunately, we had two aborted boat trips because of high seas, even though close to land it all seemed quite calm, which was quite misleading. We would love to come back here and do more of the many activities involving the local community, which we did not unfortunately do this time. Lastly, we must mention Ernesto, the taxi driver: prompt, patient and charming. Lots of superlatives, all justified.
Vanden Berghe family
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Apartment Luna
Thank you for the wonderful welcome the ladies gave us. We enjoyed your village and the surrounding and admire the way you try to behold this village, its heritage and beauty and your aim to make the people aware of their environment.
We already visited many places in Sicily but enjoyed the tranquiltiy (except the bar :-) of this village. The information in the book is abundant.
Ernst and Hella (Holland)
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Apartment Luna
We enjoyed living in a small and beautiful village close to Ceflau. We have a good time in your beautiful apartment and we were lucky visiting the countryside. I will recommend you address to our friends in the USA.
Dr J.P. Thovez & Dr. K. Connell-Thovez (USA)
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Apartment Sol Levante est – 17th September 2010
Thank you for your warmth and hospitality – especially all the delicious food. We particularly enjoyed the pesto and the figs fresh from the tree! This house was the perfect place to spend our “Luna di miele”. The village is beautiful and so friendly, and we loved the beaches and walking in Parco delle Madonie. And the sunsets – wow – amazing. Grazie !
Alison & Tom (Leeds, England)
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Apartment Sol Levante – 13rd October 2010
Dear Maria and family,
This was our first visit to Sicily and we have had a lovely time. Your apartment and, indeed, the village of Sant’Ambrogio were just what we were hoping for; peaceful and beautiful.
Many thanks to you for your hospitality, it was so kind of you to think of us at breakfast time the first morning and to include us in the family bread baking.
We wish all your family much success and happiness in the future – not forgetting “Foufi” the cat, hes’s a star. With our best whishes and a promise to learn some Italian!
Jane & Pi (Genolier, Swizterland)
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Apartment Sol Levante Est – 1st November 2010
We have had a lovely 3 night break here. Haven’t been to the beach because at this time of year the sea may not have been too enticing. We’ve toured around Cefalu and Castelbuono and had some lovely meals. The accommodation here has been delightful, very quiet (apart from the howling wind at night time for the last two nights!) and relaxing. We’re off to Agrigento today before an early morning departure on Tuesday (care of Ryanair’s dreap deals).
Martin & Sarah
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Apartment Luna – October 2010
A very comfortable apartment and an excellent stepping off point for exploring a lovely island to be recommended. Very best wishes to our host, thank you.
The Chattertons
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Apartment Sol Levante ovest – September 2010
We have enjoyed a relaxing week at apartment Sol Levante. Tranquil dining on the terrace with sea views. Maria and Jim were very welcoming, the perfect hosts. Maria treated us to some of her delicious pasta sauces and home made bread. Bellissimo!!
Andrea & Donal (Ireland)
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Apartment Sol Levante Ovest – September 2010
Maria and Jim are the perfect hosts. The food was amazing and very welcome after our long trip to get here. We spent every night looking at the view and found it very relaxing. The beach at Valtur di Pollina is great and was almost deserted. Thanks also to Margherita who helped us at the start of our stay. Grazie!
Hannah & Ben (London, UK)
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Apartment Sol Levante Ovest – October 2010
Many thanks to Maria & Jim who did all they could to make our stay enjoyable. We too had some home made bread and pasta sauces. We were also heated an evening dancing with them at a hotel in Cefalu. Unfortunately our tango and samba was not up to Maria and Jim’s standard but it was great fun. If you are here via Sicilian Experience and go to any Carmelina’s walks you need to keep your wits about you. Although the directions are accurate, sometimes the “waypoints” need checking out or don’t happen when expected. Otherwise we did many long walks without problem – other than finding our way. Don’t rely on the “carte del paesaggio” maps which are inadequate for finding your way. Gates often look like fences so it’s easy to miss your route. Recommend Pollina and Castelbuono and in particular the Nangalarunni Restaurant. Thanks to Carmelina and Margherita who were always on hand to help and went out of their way on more than one occasion. A lovely stay – our first in Sicily.
Dared & Sandra
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Villa Deodata 27.03.2010
Dear Carmelina,
Thank you for the lovely week in St' Ambrogio. We have enjoyed the landscape, the surroundings. Great scenery, wonderful wild flowers & excellent wine from the vineyard.
Margaretta, Charlotte & Dan (UK)
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Villa Deodata 08.04.2010
A few barely perceptible drops of rain - the first of the week - accompany my glass of Marsala on the terrace, bathed in peach and a wonderful view of the Rocca throught he cactus. This morning was the best of all of this Easter week - visit to Giulio the goatherd, who let us share the entire process of ricotta-making in his shelter at the top of the hill. He milks 100 goats a morning and night - the milk is quite deliciously mild and aromatic and first of all adss boiling water to make the cheese. Then the whey is drained of mixed with 10% milk and slow brought to the boil. After an hour or so there is a sudden miraculous transformation when the ricotta forms, and eating it warm straight from the pan was a memorable experience. Extraordinary, to think that he does this every day of his life - a vist not to be missed! We greatly enjoyed our week in your hosue - the excellent shower & wood buning stone, the terrace, the 2 cats the appearance (+disappearance) of Stefano the white horse. We enjoyed 2 meals at the Pizzeria in the village and make trip further afield - Monreale particularly exciting. The Sicilians we met were all extremely friendly and helpful.
We arranged with Valeria and Nino to visit the orchid aread of the National park - just 2km up the road. The range of wild flowers was amazing. We saw at last 8 varieites of orchids and saw many of their flowers which were just coming into flower - the large papery pink cistus was just coming out. In the cork oak woods we saw carpets of cyclamen. Valeria was a wonderful and informative guide! The short season of wild gadioli was perfect during our week here. A truly amazing place for looking at flowers. Returning home feeling refreshed and relaxed after, a welcome early taste of summer. Thank you
Jane, Peter, Will & Jan (UK)
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Villa Deodata 21.04.2010
Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home. Every morning, waking up to amazing views is what anyone would wish for. There is so much to do so many places to see, no-one will get bored staying in a place like this. We have also enjoyed looking after Zina and Signorina. We hope Zina has strong and healthy kittens and hopefully we will see them as cats when return. Thank you for taking us to the Madonie Mountains also Brolo, Cefalů and all the other lovely places you've taken us through our journey.
Olivia Giuffre (Perth, Western Australia )
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Villa Deodata 08.05.2010
What a beautiful house on a beautiful island, what a nice stay, what a sunshine, what a friendly people, what a cute village, what a pity we did not meet Carmelina, but what good food and what a good wines, what a nice week we had. It's a pity it is all over and we have to back home.
Cloastiye & Joap, Lucia & Pier (Netherlands)
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Villa Deodata 27/5 - 03/06
We had a truly lovely 5 nights, days at Deodata, taking it easy on the shady terrace & watching the cats do the hard work! Watching Giulio make ricotta was indeed a unique experience and the giant holly nettle though rusty, was well worth it. Thank you.
Natalie, Tom & Glennis (UK)
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Villa Deodata 19/06/10 - 25/06/10
We have a lovely stay at Villa Deodata... our time here has gone so quickly! We do not feel we have explored as much as we should have done but we have loved the village and made good use of the bar and restaurant! and enjoyed many family meals on the terrace late into the evening! Thank you for a lovely stay and we will wait in anticipation your idea of a swimming pool our children would love it!!!!
Talluha Belle Smith, Woody Smith, Jesse Smith (and one more on the way!) (UK)
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Villa Deodata 30th June 2010
Carmelina - Villa Deodata is a serene sanctuary on a beautiful island. Thank you for sharing your beautiful island with us. Thank you for your generosity and for your friendship. I hope to return again one day or at least send loads of Aussies so that one day soon you can put your feet up yourself!!!
Sue (Australia)
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Villa Deodata 5th July 2010
Dear Carmelina,
We felt like at home in your beautiful house. We appreciated the silence of the surroundings the beautiful of the nature, the views. Our children being the noise ones, we felt very comfortable here. We are sorry, we stayed such a short time and didn't have time to explore more the mountains, we had fun at the sea. Thanks a lot
Adina, Alex, Jan & Matee (Romania )
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Villa Deodata 26th July 2010
Dear Carmelina,
Many thanks for letting us stay in your beautiful home, Villa Deodata. It is a fabulous place in a serene location with fantastic views. There are so many good things to say we could fill the rest of this book. As well as the villa and patio we particularly enjoyed your books and Michielle and Rosie found the hammocks a huge hit, so much so that Karen and I barely had a look in. Villa Deodata is so lovely that some evenings we just stayed in dining by candlelight absolutel magic.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable and it is wonderfully silent. Also we have enjoyed exploring the small area of Sicily that we have been able to and Villa Deodata is in a great position for that and we found your information guide very useful. All in all teh holiday has been ahuge success and very pleasant and huge thanks to you and Villa Deodata.
Karen, Jerry, Michelle and Rose (UK)
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Villa Deodata 26th August - 4th September 2010
Dear Carmelina,
Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your lovely villa - we have been very happy on your patio looking at the beautiful view! We have loved Sicily, particularly this area - Cefalů, Sant'Ambrogio and the wonderfyul restaurant - La Manna di Zabbra - is truly a "must" for Sunday lunch Superb!!!
It has been a real pleasure to meet you. Thank you for all the useful information, translations & tips. We wish you every succes with your plans for the villa and your dreams for St. Ambrogio. We are sorry to be leaving & sincerely hope that we can return soon. Thank you so much once again. Very best wishes.
P.S. We love your cats.
Sally & Stephen and Ann & Loz (UK & Phuket)
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Villa Deodata 10th September 2010
Carmelina,
What a wonderful and beautiful place to spend the 2nd week of our honeymoon. We agree with other travellers your home a truely fantastic home. We adore Sicily this is our 2nd time in your country and can't wait to return. Your fig tree gave us such lovely fruit and your vines have sweet grapes - we have both back in the UK, but the Yorkshire weather is not kind and our tree/vine does not produce such tempting fruits. And the cats were adorable, Villa Deodata will hold a special place in our memories always.
Chris & Jan (UK )
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Villa Deodata 21st - 24th September 2010
Dear Carmelina,
I guessed you'd spent time in Australia but didn't realise until browsing through your info pack that you were in Perth - scene of my own childhood & teens in the long ago, of course.
If only no had longer here to enjoy all that the area has to offer & the company of teh visitors (so far vociferons bl/white & a white & sela pint charmer, both addicted to left-over prawns, but the larger tabby is yet too warry to approach). What a wonderful view, & last night's thunder storm was no less spectacular (saved me watering more of your plants, too). Many thanks for the thoughtful tide your over food & drink just right when you arrive late in the afternoon after a longish drive. Your books and CDS were much appreciated too, especially Aida. What a powerful ensemble of voices. I hope you don't get any complaints from the neighbours (we did rather let it rip). All good wishes.
Glennys & Stephen (Lancashire )
Apartment Manche, April 10, 2010
Dear Mimo & family,
We want to thank you all for making us feel so welcome on our first - but, I feel safe to say not our last - visit to Sicily. You have made us feel very welcomed here on the island, in Sant'Ambrogio & on via Manche. I hope the town can recover from our erratic driving! We will take back with us to Ireland a warm memory of your wonderful community & the lovely country which makes its home.
Diedre Martell (Ireland)
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Apartment Manche, 30/06/2010
Most certainly a true experience of Sicily and the warm hospitality, great food and great views will always remind me of the island. As will the somewhat challenging drive up the road to the house! Mimmo and family thank you very much for having us and Carmelina, perhaps we'll see you in future. All the best.
Nick & Lizzie (Malta)
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Apartment Manche, 27/04/2010
Many thanks for a warm welcome! don't forget the Swedes with their Alfa Romeo and GPS that showed them to take the old narrow backroad up to the village. Also at 2.15 in the night! We made it and also made the beautiful walks uphill to the shepherd. Hope to see you again. Lovely flat, many thanks again.
Marianne adn Staffan Nilson (Sweden )
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Apartment Manche, 28/07/2010
Hi, we are coming from Finland for the 3rd time to Sicily. This small village is very peaceful & friendly. The apartment is unbelievable our landlord has been very helpful, even taking our shopping from the mini-market to home. The days on holidays only pass so quickly and tomorrow we need to leave. Hopefully once agian back here.
Veku-Peddkea & Seija (Finland)
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Apartment Manche, 05/08/2010
We really enjoyed our time here in S. Ambrogio. Its our first time in Sicily and we will definitely return. The apartment location is perfect with stunning views. Thanks to Mimmo for being a lovely host & for the vino.
Ted & Meg (Kerry, Ireland)
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Apartment Manche, 08/08/2010
The view, The people, The beach all exceptional but Mimmo and family the perfect host. Molte grazie/Merci/Go raibh maith aga't
Raymond& Bernadette (Ireland)
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Casa Margherita - 5th Jan 2010
We have had a splendid time here in Casa Margherita this time. It was the first trip to Sicilia for us and we now we are coming back for sure. On the day of arrival, the warm, extremely cosy sea breeze welcomed us. We rented a car then headed towards Cefalů we later fell in love with. This villa is amazing, the view is breathtaking and first couple of days we couldn't leave the place. Salvatore and his wife, also Margherita (even though we saw her very briefly as she was out of the country most of the time) were so nice and kind made us feel at home. Agrigento was amazing the temples were so impressive almost took our breath away when we saw ....Taormina was alos beautiful marking us want to stay there for a few nights but we were happy to come back to our villa for the last day of Sicilian trip. We are definitely coming back to Sicilia and for sure staying in Casa Margherita. It was wonderful experience over all.
Mina & Sunny (UK)
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Casa Margherita - 25th Feb 2010
We had a wonderful time. The weather was fantastic and Sophie enjoyed her first moments on green glass. It was our first trip to Sicilia and we loved every minute. It was great escape from the cold and damp conditions in England. Cefalů was beautiful and very relaxing. We rented a car and headed for the Madonie- Unfortunately our walk was cut short by a missing road. We definitely try to come back to see the ancient holly trees. Sophie fell in love with carciofi. We will have trouble back home to match her tastes. Margherita and her fathe Salvatore are very lovely. Salvatore gave us eggs for Sophie which she loved. We will miss this place and go back relaxed and happy.
Tanja Thomas and Sophie Marie (9 months) (Cambridge, UK )
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Casa Margherita - 17th to 25th March 2010
What a gorgeous time we had! After some days in Palermo, Selinunte & Agrigento this was the perfect base to relax and take time to stroll around & explore some of the less crowded places of beautiful Sicily (and obviously the right time of year). Cefalů is picturesque and very interesting, Sant Ambrogio and surroundings just delightful and well worth exploring, the back country with the Modonie Mts, not only a magnificent settings but also full of great & interesting places. We had the loveliest place around Guerneri with thousands of daisies and other wild flowers the full moon and the most wonderful Italian Sunday, staritng with a church service (as Lutheraus) . In Sant'Ambrogio (where our host Salvatore played the organ!), followed by a memorable (as well as delicous) visit to Castelbuono, its instant piazza Margherita e special gifts and an uplifting tour through the Madonie incl Isnello and Gibilmanna.
We also took a day's trip to Taormina but were pleased to come "home" to Cefalů and Casa Margherita...even though it's off season, it was still wroth going, but we fortunately went back via Catania & Enna instead of Messina (only slightly longer but much less strenous). Even, now in March T. is crowded with all the people one tries to vacation from , the drive, is exhausting (endless tunnels, lots of road constructions), parts a mere nightmare. We did'nt have time to see Enna on the very back! it must be amazing. While we have loved Italy for decades, this was our first trip to Sicily - and certinly not the last. There is so much to see and take in. The greatest surprise were the Sicilians themselves - most friendly and welcoming, wherever we went.
A bit thank to our wonderful hosts Margherita and Salvatore Cortina and their familyf or their outstanding hospitality! A fruit basked a bottle of Nero d'avola and some basic groceries awaiting us upon arrival, during our stya we were treated to Salvatores very own olive oil and Margherita's homemade "sfinci" (on occasion of San Giuseppe day March 19) and their warm care and mary great recommendations were most appreciated. Arrivederci & mille grazie.
Joerg Nagles, (Hamburg)
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Casa Margherita - 28th May 2010
We had a wonderful time here the house and the environment are amazing. It is so quiet here we love it. It was our first time in Sicily and one day we will come back to enjoy the nice weather, food and small villages. The people are so nice, especially in San Ambrogio and Castelbuono. It is so beautiful in these places our daughter Pier had the time of her and she stole the hearts of the Sicilians with her big blue eyes. People of Sicily love children, it's different than in Holland. We had a great time here! Thanks for your hospitality, the nice conversations, the fresh eggs and all the rest.
Frans Joref, Inge & Pier Deurne, Noord-Brabant (Holland )
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Casa Margherita - 5th June2010
What a wonderful peace, we have totally enjoyed our stay. Cefalů is so pretty, great places to eat and walk on the sun set. Castelbuono is really pretty too try the mushroom restaurant. We took trip to Stromboli and did the night trek to visit the vulcano which was awesome - we hightly recommend it. We loved the beaches the one here and the Kalura beach especially. We have eaten like kings and are heading home feeling really relaxed. Just wish we could have stayed another week or two!!
Noah & Vanessa (London )
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Casa Margherita - 13th July 2010
Great house, beautiful view and fantastic time We loved it!!! If you see a small black and white cat who is very hungry, please fee her beacuse she is toally sweet and nice. Unfortunately we couldn't take her with us since we have 3 cats at home. A little firenship goes a long way. Best wishes
Marion & Willy (Germany & USA)
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Casa Margherita - 12th September 2010
Thanks to Margherita dn her family for our lovely stay in this beautiful casa. We have a small fiat wih no guts sow e had to learn how to drive up the steep hill but after one or two goes, we were fine. Enjoyed our lazy mornings at the casa with the wonderfu view, warm weather and company of the cats. Spent much of our time here at the beach, or wondering through Cefalů. The pizzeria/restaurant in San Ambrogio is great, very Sicilian and homemade. The walk is short 15 minutes and quite easy if you can manage the hills - we went to San Ambrogio most evenings for dinner by foot - bring the torch! Thanks again Margherita.
Chris & Ayleen (Ottanva, Canada)
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Casa Margherita - 25th September 2010
A lovely place to stay and rest in . We have been very happy here - thanks to Salvatore & Concetta of course Margherita without her English speaking we would have had difficulty. We leave you with all our best wishes and a big thank you. Molto Grazie.
John & Carolyn (Buckinghamshire UK )
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Casa Margherita - October 16th 2010
Nice place, with a great view nice hosts and (partially) nice weather we're had a good time here.
Norbert, Monike & Bruno (Jugenheim, Germany )
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Casa Margherita - 24th-31st October 2010
Like everybody else we have loved the peace, teh views, the sun & the hospitality. We certianly don't want to go back to cold wet Scotland. This was our seond week in Sicily having spent the first part of our holiday in Ortigia - also strongly recommended. Cefalu is charming and the Rocco challenging but well worth the climb. We went to the sausage festival in Caccamo but greatly enjoyed the Norman Castle. Sicily is well served by trains and having gone from Syracusa to Catania to catch the Ferrovia Circumetanae (brilliant) we decided to also go to Messina & Palermo from Cefalů. Again to be recommended especially Palermo. Thanks to Salvatore, Concetta & Margherita.
NB: the local trattoria in S. Ambrogio was very good - good food and wine and reasonable prices-good quality.
Sue & Alan (Glasgow)
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Apartment Mare - 7th-17th July 2010
To Sara & Giovanni,
Thank you for providing such a friendly comfortable place for us to relax and enjoy the spectacular views from not ony the terrace but also as I woke each morning. The weather has been perfect, hot and humid great for the beach and worth the 200 + steps down and back. Our visits to the local bars for a Prosecco, coffee, beer or granita. Have been most welcoming as have our conversation with local residents at these times. Car trips included Castelverde, Agrigento, Palazzo Adriano and another day across to Mt Etna, quite an experience and worth the effort. It wa a bit too warm for walking but we still took the visit to Giulio, the shepherd via the woodlands walk. We both thoroughly enjoyed our time with him, watching him work and tasting the various stages of Ricotta making, 2 hours later, we came away with our own fresh ricotta, wonderful! what a character. This is a very special village & we leave with wonderful memories.
Paul & Robyn (Brisbane, Australia.)
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Apartment Mare - 15th August 2010
Given it wasn't quite easy for us to get form Chez Republic to such a particular place like Sant'Ambrogio, we were very happy to spend one of the most relaxed and uplifting week of ourlives. Sant'Ambrogio is such a wonderful place on earth. Thanks for the great vacation. We are hopeful that we will come back.
Peter & Gira (Chez Republic)
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Apartment Mare - 15th August 2010
Given it wasn't quite easy for us to get form Chez Republic to such a particular place like Sant'Ambrogio, we were very happy to spend one of the most relaxed and uplifting week of ourlives. Sant'Ambrogio is such a wonderful place on earth. Thanks for the great vacation. We are hopeful that we will come back.
Peter & Gira (Chez Republic)
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Casa Melinda - 4th June 2010
We had a wonderful time at Casa Melinda. Toto was the perfect host and we would deinitely retrun again. Thanks to Toto and Melinda for helping to make our stay so special
Barbie & Peter (UK)
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Casa Melinda - 18th June 2010
We have really enjoyed our week in lovely Sant'Ambrogio. We found the apartment delightful, very comfortable and a cool, relaxing place to come back to after time on the beach or exploring the wonderful Sicilian countryside. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, especially our host Toto. We especially enjoyed the ome grown vegetables! We would definitely recommend Casa Margherita.
Hilary & Terry (UK)
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Casa Melinda - 11th September 2010
Dear Melinda & Toto,
Many thanks for your very kind hospitality. Having flown fro many hours from Australia to find Casa Melinda even better than the internet photos was a welcomed relief. Add to that, the delightful location and the lovely fresh summer vegetables from Toto's garden - one of the tatiest cucumbers we have ever had. We are sure we will enjoy the rest of our month in Sicily but his has certainly been a wonderful introduction. Best wishes to your family for the future. Maybe you will all make it to Australia one day?
PS: we loved Toto's home made stuffed mini-peppers.
Sybil & John Fowler (Victoria, Australia )
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Casa Melinda - 3rd October 2010
Well it is time for us to leave Casa Melinda and the lovely village of Sant Ambrogio. We have enjoyed our stay, the apartment was just what we had expected, beautifully decorated and very clean. Thank you for the olive oil which we enjoyed on our salads. Sicily has been for more than we expteced, incredible hill top villages;the hustle and bustle of Palermo city; the beautiful coastline and exceptional food and wine. Most of all we would like to thank Toto & Melinda for being wonderful hosts. Toto was always, there when we needed his help and we enjoyed listening to Toto talk about Sicilian life. With fond memories of our week stay at Sant'Ambrogio, Sicily.
Karan & Andy (Cheltenham, UK)
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Casa Melinda
Thank you very much! We had a lovely time.
Katie & Robin (UK)
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Casa Melinda
Thank you very much! We had a lovely time.
Katie & Robin (UK)
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Would love to experience this tour. How can I contact you?
Mary Anne Runnels (USA)
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We have stayed at the Porticciolo apartment at Cefalu.Everything was just perfect.Cefalu is amazing and so its Porticiollo apartment.It is very nicely done and its on great location with a very friendly and helpful owner.We had a trouble when we locked ourselfs out of apartment and the owner was there to help us asap and so were very friendly people across the road of the lovely restaurant Porticciolo.We have travelled to few places like Isnello which is also gorgeous little place.
Would definitely reccomend holiday in Cefalu and booking it through Sicilian experience as all the ladies there including Carmelina were very helpful and friendly !
We will definitely be coming back to Sicily especialy Cefalu as the place really is wonderful with great people.WE loved it ! And big thank you to everyone that helped us :)
Scott & Sabina (England)
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Apartment Onde - 4 june 2011
We wanted to be sure that anyone who rents apartment Onde knows how wonderful this apartment is. Its location just to the side of town and right on the water situates it in a romantic, quiet, and wonderful part of town. Nevertheless it is close to everything and also has the advantage of a very friendly and helpful property manager should you need recommendations in town or help with the simple but sufficient furnishings and features of the apartment. Cefalu is a wonderful place for vacation, excellent food, shopping, sightseeing, short trips to nearby towns, and romance. Onde is the perfect place from which to enjoy it all.
Vince
Vince Ventimiglia
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I have been twice to San Ambrogio and will return again. How can I list everything and everyone who made the stay more than just a visit? Everything about the village, the villagers, the scenery, the lifestyle, the villas - everything is simply magic. Embedded firmly in my heart and forever in my soul - thank you Carmelina, for showing and sharing with me a slice of heaven.
Carole Saunders (Oman)
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Villa Mara - July 2011
Hello Carmelina,
We are back home now and before our daily humdrum lives
start to take over we like to once again thank you for
all the help you gave to make our Sicilian Experience in
Sant'Ambrogio such a wonderful and memorable holiday.
This ranges from the wonderful dinner you arranged for
Phoebea's birthday on our arrival on the Saturday night
(and thank you again for the birthday cake, that was a
lovely gesture), Guilio the shepherd making ricotta, through
to the manna and cooking demonstration. To us the latter
was the highlight not only of our time in Sicily but of our
whole 6 weeks trip. Being able to use your very extensive
notes was such a help in planning our daily activities.
We thoroughly enjoyed staying in the lovely small and
quieter village, much preferring to be there than the very
much busier Cefalu (though it was great to have it nearby
and to be able to visit it several times).
Our very best wishes for the future with what you're
trying to achieve; we shall certainly be recommending a
similar holiday to all our friends and acquaintances.
Regards and arrivederci,
Jack & Andrea Holland and family
Jack & Andrea Holland and family
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Sept 17th-Sept 30th 2010
Thank you for making us feel so welcome in S.Ambrogio. Carmelina has been wonderful. We hope to return because there is still so much to explore
Love Emma, Brook and Nell
Emma, Brook and Nell
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Dear Carmelina
Thanks for a wonderful 3 days. You've done quite the job and S.Ambrogio is wonderful so beacuae of the warm people. We enjoyed spending time with you, Laetita, Marcello, Saro and all the people whose name we did not retain. We hope to return.
Sujo & Helen (London)
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Thank you so much for making our "Sicilian Experience" so enjoyable. We have loved every aspect of our holidays especialy the people. These people the pizzeria, the bar, the shop, the whole atmosphere of the piazza make S.Ambrogio seem to good to be true, like stepping into a film. We would recommend the circular walk to the shepherd and the trips to the vinyard who amazing. Carmelina & Laetitia your hospitality is gold standard we could not have asked for any more. We can't wait to show are photos to our familyand we hope can return one days
Paradiso
Ella & Amanda (England)
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18 July 2011 Paradiso
Thank you Carmelina for finding such a wonderful place and a relaxing week. Thank you for all your trandetions and restaurant recommendations. Our best wishes for your help
Cinis & Sue Barnes
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2nd July 2011 (Paradiso)
We had such a wonderful hoilday in Sicily made even more special day staying in "Paradiso" We will always have memory of sitting on the balcony over looking the beautiful town of S.Ambrogio with the sun setting. This was also the week we got engaged to be married. So a very special hoilday indeed
Elizabeth & James
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July 22, 2011 (Paradiso)
Carmelina, Thankyou so much for providing such a wonderfull atmosphere here in "Apartment Paradiso". The location is superb with the balcony perched above the other rooftops and providing a spectacular view of the church the sea beyond to Cefalu. We have had such a great stay in S.Ambrogio getting to know the local area and really appreciating its so many places of interest. The hill towns, the mountains, the sea. It was also a good stepping off point for our 5 night visit to Lipari in the Islands and then a welcome homecoming when we returned as is was by now quite familiar. Good luck with your endeavous in the village
Glendys, Peter Rowe (New Zealand)
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July 22, 2011 (Paradiso)
Carmelina, Thankyou so much for providing such a wonderfull atmosphere here in "Apartment Paradiso". The location is superb with the balcony perched above the other rooftops and providing a spectacular view of the church the sea beyond to Cefalu. We have had such a great stay in S.Ambrogio getting to know the local area and really appreciating its so many places of interest. The hill towns, the mountains, the sea. It was also a good stepping off point for our 5 night visit to Lipari in the Islands and then a welcome homecoming when we returned as is was by now quite familiar. Good luck with your endeavous in the village
Glendys, Peter Rowe (New Zealand)
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15th May 2011 (Paradiso)
AMAZING!
-Must do
-Watch sunset from the balcony
-Swim in the cone of Castel di Tusa
-Do the circular walk
-Walking at Mt. Etna stunning landscape and spring flowers in may
-Thanks Laeitha & Carmelina for there amazing hospitalily friendship and great info
-Loved every minute
Riat (London)
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30 April 2011 (Paradiso)
We had a lovely stay here. S.Ambrogio
is a very nice village. The apartment "Luna" is very beautiful, espacially the painting on the walls, the floor and the balcony with its great view. What we also loved was the hospitality and the lifestyle of the people here. Best regards
Clara Joan (Germany)
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Dear Carmelina
This wonderful town. I wish i only stay longer. I look forward to a friendship that extends and a working relationship too. Thank you for all your help
Karen (New York City)
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September 10th 2011
We will miss the beautiful view from the balcony and the endless sunshine.
S.Ambrogio is a very peaceful place. We want to a day trip to the islands and also to Pollina which has stunning views, beautiful! Palermo was also memorable! It was lovely to be greeted with loved wine and olive oil on arrival!
Kann & Bob
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Carmelina and the other locals:
from our heart thank you all for making our holiday a great one!
From Visby in the Baltic Sea!
Allie, Erik, Primus & Jacob (Visby)
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09 August 2011
Lovely village, quiet place not so overcrow as Cefalů.
Amazing terrace, stunning sea views & sunsets, warm sea & friendly people all around!
Fresh food from local markets, tasty fish, great ice cream, and limoncello from Saro's bar.
very relaxing atmosphere.
Kitchen is fun!
Marina & Sangey (Russia)
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"Love at first night"!
This is how we feel about our first stay in Sicily, and especially in S.Ambrogio!
Sicilians are very friendly and warm people. thanks to you, Carmelina, we met some beautiful people: Giulio, the shepherd; Mimmo, the local wine maker; Pietro from La Zabbra.
We enjoyed our stay and looking forwahrd to come back and to meet you again!
Jule & Boe (Belgium)
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Apartment Ciliegie 27th August 2011
We felt at home in St Ambrogio immediately and fell for Sicily and all the variations of scenery etc. "Ambrogio" the little cat in the courtyard welcomed us every morning on our way to the lovely beach. We travelled around & saw so much here, but returning to Ciliegie every day was like coming home. I hope this place never changes, this little village looking out to the sea.
Jacqueline & Mick (Ireland)
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Apartment Paradiso 7th October 2011
Away from the maddening crowds - a village life in Sant'Ambrogio that most people in suburbia would not understand. The views are beautiful. A short stay for us but enjoyable and relaxing - moving on now elsewhere.
Carina (Australia)
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